A GARDENER’S NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Dr. Leonard Perry, Extension Professor
University of Vermont
T’was the night before Christmas and under the snow,
Perennials now dormant were waiting to grow.
The roses were mulched, the soil piled high,
To protect the graft union so the plants wouldn’t die.
The strawberries were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of fertilizer (organic or not) danced in their heads.
The orchard was clean, the fruit trees at rest,
No diseases were living much less any pest.
The evergreen branches, all coated with ice,
Provide shelter for birds that they would entice.
Shrubs were all sprayed with repellents this year,
To protect them from feeding by mice and by deer.
Inside the house are poinsettias galore,
While wreaths, boughs and holly adorn the front door.
While enjoying my garden this quiet, cold night,
What my eyes then spied was a gardener’s delight!
A jolly old man in suit red and white,
Pulled up in a sleigh and began to alight.
He laughed as he said, “I’m a gardener myself,”
And began to leave gifts packed by his elf.
Practical gifts like tools and a mower,
Along with some labels, pots, and a sower.
To protect our hands were hand cream and gloves,
For my spouse a sun hat in a color she loves.
A hoe will be useful for pulling up weeds,
New flats and soil media for sowing spring seeds.
Next came a trellis for the clematis vine,
Stakes for new trees, and to hold them some twine.
For the patio a planter and large flower pot,
Both were in colors bold, bright, and red hot.
To help all our veggies grow sweet and grow strong,
There were large bags of compost to help them along.
Our cats will be happy with their new catnip mouse,
Our birds will enjoy their heated bath and bird house.
For fun was a rain gauge and new garden book,
A train for the garden, homemade jam for the cook.
As jolly St. Nick finished he winked and stood tall,
And I heard him exclaim
“Merry Christmas,” and Happy Gardening to all.
“Merry Christmas,” and Happy Gardening to all.
